Persecution in the First Centuries
33
They were condemned as rebels against the empire, as foes of religion,
and pests to society. Great numbers were thrown to wild beasts or
burned alive in the amphitheaters. Some were crucified; others were
covered with the skins of wild animals and thrust into the arena to be
torn by dogs. Their punishment was often made the chief entertain-
ment at public fetes. Vast multitudes assembled to enjoy the sight and
greeted their dying agonies with laughter and applause.
Wherever they sought refuge, the followers of Christ were hunted
like beasts of prey. They were forced to seek concealment in desolate
and solitary places. “Destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the
world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains,
and in dens and caves of the earth.”
Verses 37, 38
. The catacombs
afforded shelter for thousands. Beneath the hills outside the city of
Rome, long galleries had been tunneled through earth and rock; the
dark and intricate network of passages extended for miles beyond the
city walls. In these underground retreats the followers of Christ buried
their dead; and here also, when suspected and proscribed, they found
a home. When the Life-giver shall awaken those who have fought the
good fight, many a martyr for Christ’s sake will come forth from those
gloomy caverns.
[41]
Under the fiercest persecution these witnesses for Jesus kept their
faith unsullied. Though deprived of every comfort, shut away from
the light of the sun, making their home in the dark but friendly bosom
of the earth, they uttered no complaint. With words of faith, patience,
and hope they encouraged one another to endure privation and distress.
The loss of every earthly blessing could not force them to renounce
their belief in Christ. Trials and persecution were but steps bringing
them nearer their rest and their reward.
Like God’s servants of old, many were “tortured, not accepting
deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.”
Verse 35
.
These called to mind the words of their Master, that when persecuted
for Christ’s sake, they were to be exceeding glad, for great would be
their reward in heaven; for so the prophets had been persecuted before
them. They rejoiced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for
the truth, and songs of triumph ascended from the midst of crackling
flames. Looking upward by faith, they saw Christ and angels leaning
over the battlements of heaven, gazing upon them with the deepest
interest and regarding their steadfastness with approval. A voice came